Category Archives: Issues
October 2019
How Well Did You Read This Issue?
Test your knowledge of information from this issue of Lower Extremity Review and the world in general with our new crossword puzzle feature.
October 2019
With Heartfelt Thanks and Appreciation
As another year draws to a close, the natural inclination is to look ahead and plan for the future. But the beauty of the year’s end also gives us the chance to look back and appreciate the path we have travelled, the lessons we have learned, and the many, many people and organizations who have helped us on that journey.
By Janice T. Radak, Editor, and Rich Dubin, Publisher Continue reading
October 2019
Bilateral Custom AFOs Reduce Fear of Falling, Up Physical Activity
For older adults who have fears about falling, the daily use of custom-made ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) with walking shoes is effective in improving balance and reducing fear of falls, according to a recent study published in the journal Gerontology. In the elderly population, falls are a particularly serious problem. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 3 million older patients are treated in emergency rooms for fall injuries each year.
By Robert Sberna Continue reading
October 2019
Wearable Tech May Enhance Benefits of Structured Exercise
Combining structured exercise with wearable technology interventions designed to enhance non-exercise physical activity (NEPA) may help reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD) in high-risk older adults, according to a October 2019 study published in the online medical journal, Clinical Interventions in Aging. Researchers from the University of Alabama at…
By Douglas J. Guth Continue reading
October 2019
AHA Scientific Statement on CLI Emphasizes Early Diagnosis, Treatment
Critical limb ischemia (CLI), a condition characterized by the narrowing or blocking of arteries that lead to the legs, is the most severe form of peripheral artery disease (PAD) and a leading cause of lower-limb amputation. Moreover, patients with CLI have high mortality rates. As such, early diagnosis and treatment are key, according to a scientific statement recently published by the American Heart Association (AHA) in its journal, Circulation. Continue reading
October 2019
Extra Cushioning May not Help Shoes Prevent Injuries
While innovations in running shoes have helped everyone from top athletes to casual joggers push the boundaries of speed, efforts to determine the characteristics of shoes that will help reduce injury risks are more elusive. In his lab at San Jose State University, JJ Hannigan, PhD, ATC, CSCS, is working to understand the way different levels of cushioning affect gait and running mechanics.
By Nicole Wetsman Continue reading
October 2019
Ankle Replacement System Receives FDA Premarket Approval
The Hintermann Series H3 Total Ankle Replacement System (DT MedTech, Towson, MD), received premarket approval from the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA). This is a non-cemented, implanted medical device intended to replace a painful arthritic ankle joint and improve ankle motion and is indicated for use in the first surgical treatment for the joint.
By Laura Fonda Hochnadel Continue reading
October 2019
Plantar fasciitis: A New Approach to An Old Problem
Introducing the kineticokinematic approach to treating plantar fasciitis. This approach focuses not only on the position of the foot but also on the forces that may be contributing to this highly prevalent foot condition. Heel pain is one of the most common complaints treated by lower extremity specialists, affecting an estimated 10% of the population.
By Pedro Aldape-Esquivel, DPM and Jarrod Shapiro, DPM, FACPM, FACFAS Continue reading
October 2019
Needed, Proposed, Designed: An Injury Assessment and Prevention Program for Collegiate Women’s Basketball
Why are female basketball players increasingly at risk of lower-extremity injury? How should an injury prevention program for them be devised and implemented? The authors undertook a team study to find the answers. Knee injuries account for 10% to 25% of sports-related injuries.
By Major Kyle East, PT, DPT, DSC; Lieutenant Commander Lauren Brown, PT, DPT, DSC; and Colonel Donald Goss, PT, PHD Continue reading
October 2019
Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome Remains a Challenge for Clinicians, Painful for Patients
While most agree it is an overuse injury, treating MTSS (aka shin splints) should involve rest, proper diet, and sometimes avoiding NSAIDS. It’s been decades since I had a case of shin splints, but I remember vividly how painful it was. I was 20 years old and overtraining—especially given the sorry state of my running shoes—and I felt as if I had a burning coal lodged along the medial side of my left shank. Every step hurt.
By Cary Groner Continue reading
October 2019
IS CHANGE ON THE HORIZON? Congress Proposes Reforms to the Stark Law
Podiatrists are among the providers targeted by efforts to revise regulation of referral for Medicare services. The goal? Modernize governance of a changing healthcare industry. The federal Physician Self-Referral Law (known commonly as the “Stark Law” or, simply, “Stark”) and its regulations generally prohibit physician referrals of Medicare patients for certain designated healthcare services when the physician has a…
By Daniel F. Shay, Esq. Continue reading
October 2019
BRD Sport G18 Plus Knee Brace
The BRD Sport G18 Plus Knee Brace offers extra relief and stability from pain and injuries related to arthritis and physical activities and features an adjustable strap, as compared to the company’s G18 Knee Brace. The G18 Plus Knee Brace is designed to stabilize the kneecap when it is vulnerable and prevent further injury or damage. The brace’s 3D technology offers targeted compression and reduces swelling while relieving pain and inflammation. Continue reading
October 2019
OS1st WP4 Wellness Performance Socks
OS1st WP4 Wellness Performance Socks are the latest innovation in ING Source’s Socks with Purpose Program. The WP4s are strategically designed for individuals who suffer from diabetes, sensitive feet, edema, neuropathy, and poor circulation. They feature four zones of graduated compression to help boost circulation, reduce friction, and provide overall foot support. Continue reading
October 2019
Stevens, Bonbouton Sign Exclusive Agreement to Further Develop Smart Insole
Stevens Institute of Technology (Stevens), Hoboken, NJ, has signed an exclusive licensing agreement with health and technology company Bonbouton, New York, giving Bonbouton the right to use and further develop a graphene sensing system that detects early signs of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) before they form. Left untreated, DFUs can cause severe tissue and bone damage and may ultimately lead to amputation. Continue reading
October 2019
Humans, Like Salamanders, Can Regrow Joint Cartilage
Cartilage in human joints can repair itself through a process like that used by creatures such as salamanders and zebrafish to regenerate limbs, researchers at Duke University Health System (Duke Health), Durham, NC, found. In their article, published online in the journal Science Advances, the researchers identified a mechanism for cartilage repair that appears to be more robust in ankle joints and less so in hips. The finding could potentially lead to treatments for osteoarthritis, they said. Continue reading
October 2019
Duraflex O&P Material
For applications that require a harder and stiffer consistency than its OP-TEK Flex Family of EVA sheet, Curbell O&P, a division of Curbell Plastics, now offers Duraflex. Like OP-TEK Flex, Duraflex is designed to enhance patient comfort when used as a flexible inner liner for rigid prosthetic socket frames. The new material is available in natural (semi-transparent) and black. When incorporated into an orthosis, the material bends with the patient, enhancing comfort at trim lines. Continue reading
October 2019
Cotton Stockinettes
JMS Plastics Supply has added its own brand of cotton stockinettes to its growing inventory of products suitable for use in the lower extremity market. These cotton stockinettes are densely knit tubular bandages that stretch for conformability and are designed for use on skin during splinting and cast fabrication. Continue reading
October 2019
O&P Assistant Standards, Guidelines Approved
The Standards and Guidelines for the Accreditation of Education Programs in Orthotist and Prosthetist Assistant were approved by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) board. CAAHEP accredits programs upon the recommendation of the National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education. Standards are the minimum requirements to which an accredited program is held accountable. Continue reading
October 2019
Comfort ToeWraps from PediFix
PediFix’s newly designed toe loops stabilize, “buddy,” and reposition toes to relieve pain from corns, hammer toes, and crooked digits. The Comfort ToeWraps are soft, non-stretch, foam-lined loops that separate, straighten, and align deformed toes without taking up space. They are also effective as a splint for broken, stubbed, or injured toes. Continue reading
October 2019
ToeOFF 2½ and BlueROCKER 2½ AFOs
Due to the popularity of its other orthosis with half the heel height, Allard is now offering ToeOFF 2½ and BlueROCKER 2½ ankle foot orthoses (AFOs). Features include choice of wraparound or D-ring straps, which are easily applied for right- or left-hand pull; shorter, more gently contoured wings; pre-applied MikroFIX; and a Starter SoftKIT. Continue reading
October 2019
9 New Insoles from Tread Labs
Tread Labs is offering 9 new insoles across 3 series: Ramble, Ramble Short, and Ramble Thin; Pace, Pace Short, and Pace Thin; and Dash, Dash Short, and Dash Thin. All the insoles feature precise sizing for an accurate fit and interchangeable 3D-molded top covers. New to the Comfort Series are Ramble Insoles, the company’s softest insole. In the Pain Relief Series, Pace Insoles target plantar fasciitis and other foot pains. Continue reading
October 2019
3D Body Scanning Software for any Mobile Device
BodyForm3D, a Canadian technology startup founded by Antonin Bérubé, DPM, announced the launch of its first product, Podform, a 3D body scanning software that can be used with any mobile device. Podform is a ready-to-use application that is optimized for the custom-made footwear and healthcare industries. Continue reading
November 2019
High Achilles Ankle Brace Relieves Pain
The High Achilles Ankle Brace was designed to relieve pain in the back of the heel caused by inflammation of the Achilles tendon; it is appropriate for post-Achilles tendon rupture, tendonitis, and strains. According to BRD Sport, the 3D knit technology creates targeted intermittent compression and reduces swelling while relieving pain and enhancing circulation. Continue reading
November 2019
Refresh Your Feet with Foot Finish Foot Repair Cream
Inspired by the rough, dry, cracked feet of professional dancers and dance students, Love, Lori is dedicated to providing healthy foot care that soothes and repairs battered feet. Now available from Love, Lori is Foot Finish Foot Repair Cream. The antifungal cream is formulated with tea tree oil, rose oil, and lavender to fight foot infection and odor while reducing inflammation. Continue reading
November 2019
Make Cadence Insoles your #1 Selling OTC – Free Samples
Exclusive to healthcare professionals and specialty retailers, Cadence insoles are a high-quality OTC orthotic that provide a unique combination of semi-rigid support and durable high rebound/low compression set polyurethane foam. No contracts, no minimum-order requirements, no investment in technology. And all Cadence retail partners get a Lifetime Cadence Performance Guarantee. Continue reading
